LEVEL 1: ELEMENTARY

 

This level of the program was founded in the summer of 1994, with the assistance of the Lancaster Recreation Commission (LRC). As stated in the original vision, this program has been subject to the most changes. Since 1994, this program has enlisted the involvement of multiple community agencies, such as the LRC, The Boys Club, The YMCA, East Side Athletic Club, and Athletes in Action.

The primary goal of this level is to introduce as many elementary aged children as possible to the sport of wrestling, while teaching the basic body movements and skills used in this sport. Secondary goals will include an increase of overall fitness and nutritional awareness. This will be a "wrestle for fun" program with only enough competition to keep the athletes excited and involved. Competition opportunities will include scrimmages, dual meets, and tournaments, both novice and open. In all cases, there will be little or no emphasis on winning.

January of 2008 will mark the first time that Level 1 will have no involvement from outside organizations. Fourteen years after the inauguration of this level, enough of the framework set forth in the original vision for Lancaster Wrestling has been established that this program will be totally reliant upon Level 4 (Post Graduates and Community) in the areas of coaching, administration, and financial acquisition. This program will be conducted under the Tornado Wrestling Club charter, which is the USA Wrestling Affiliate Program for Lancaster City . Additionally, this charter provides membership to the PA Wrestling Federation (PAWF). Former athletes, and community members, will provide the coaching and administration of this program, in conjunction with the School District of Lancaster coaching staff. The Lancaster Mat Club (described in Level 4 below) will provide the avenue for financial support and acquisition. This program will also continue to work with the South Central PA Youth Wrestling Organization (SCPYWO), an organization originally formed to promote youth wrestling in the Lancaster/Lebanon areas.

Level 1 has extreme value to the wrestling program in Lancaster because it acts as an introduction to the sport of wrestling, as well as to the "Lancaster Wrestling Family." This provides the base of our "pyramid". Its importance is also supported by the number of people directly benefited by the incorporation of Level 4 with this program.

Click here to read more about "The Foundation"

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